U.S. to start centennial year against Canada

CHICAGO - The United States will open 2013, the centennial year of U.S. Soccer, with a friendly against regional rival Canada on January 29 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The match comes at the end of the national team's annual January camp and is the only game prior to the start of final round qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off for the United States on February 6 against Honduras in San Pedro Sula.

"The match against Canada will come at the end of an important training camp as we get players ready for the World Cup qualifier against Honduras, and also get a good look at some up and coming players in the National Team pool," said U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. "Obviously we have a great history with Canada, and they were unlucky not to qualify for the final round. The stadium in Houston is awesome and the fans have been incredibly supportive there, so for us it's a great way to start off the centennial year of U.S. Soccer."

The U.S. will look to extend its 15-game unbeaten streak (8-7-0) against the Canadians, who -- after being eliminated from World Cup Qualifying - will be preparing for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The teams last met June 3, 2012, dueling to a 0-0 draw in Toronto. The match celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the Canadian Soccer Association.

Canada last beat the U.S., 2-0, on April 2, 1985, in Vancouver. The lifetime series record stands at 13-10-8 in favor of the Stars and Stripes.

BBVA Compass Stadium, which opened earlier this year and is home to the Houston Dynamo, will host the U.S. Men's National Team for the first time. The U.S. has never lost in Houston, collecting a 1-2-0 record that includes two draws against Mexico and a 1-0 win against Panama in the semifinal round of the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Canada will be holding a camp in the U.S. (January 19-30) and is scheduled to face Denmark on January 26 in Tucson, Arizona.